15 Things To Do In Houston This July And August

Backstreet’s back—at the Toyota Center Aug. 31.

THROUGH 9/22
Icons of Style
From the dramatic fashion portraits of the 20th century to the groundbreaking images of such modern icons as Beyoncé, James Harden, David Bowie and more, Icons of Style: A Century of Fashion Photography showcases over 200 photographs surveying the gradual recognition of fashion photography as an art form. See website for ticket prices, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, mfah.org

THROUGH 10/13
Collection Close-Up: The Graphic Work of Dorothea Tanning
Get a “Close-Up” view of over 100 graphic works—ranging from representation to near total abstraction—by American artist and author Dorothea Tanning. Her highly personal work addresses universal human emotions and experiences of ecstasy, elation, anxiety and obsession. Free admission, Menil Main Building, menil.org

7/1-14
Aladdin
Genies, magic lamps and flying carpets—what more must be said? This thrilling classic takes the stage to bring all of your favorite movie moments to life while mixing in newer songs by Alan Menken, winner of Tony and Academy awards, and showing us “a whole new world.” See website for schedule, orchestra tickets $300, The Hobby Center, thehobbycenter.org

7/3
Chicago
The “rock and roll band with horns” is back in H-town to continue their legacy as the longest-running and most successful rock group of all time. 8pm, tickets $80-$125, Smart Financial Centre, smartfinancialcentre.net

7/5-6
Music of Queen
The Houston Symphony busts out the drums as vocalist Brody Dolyniuk and a full rock band pay tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen with classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions” and “Somebody to Love.” 7:30pm, orchestra tickets $119, Jones Hall, The Houston Symphony, houstonsymphony.org

7/12-9/8
The Doyle and Debbie Show
From the first performance of their now-award-winning country music satire above a coffee shop in Nashville in 2006 to three appearances on Conan O’Brien’s Conan and an eight-month stint in Chicago’s Royal George Theatre—The Doyle and Debbie Show has proven itself a force to be parodied with. See website for schedule, best tickets $65, Stages Repertory Theatre, Yeager Theater, stagestheatre.com

7/14
Lone Star Bash
This annual foodie event is back for its fifth year, allowing gourmands and Astros fans to unite in Minute Maid Park. Opt for the Grand Slam, a VIP experience that includes exclusive bars and a unique chef experience; then two-step through the night as country singer-songwriter Kyle Park strums his tunes. VIP entry at 5pm, tickets $150, Minute Maid Park, txrestaurant.org

7/20
Apollo 11 50th Live at Space Center Houston
Houston, we have liftoff. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s lunar landing at this all-day and event. VIP packages include a happy hour and concert seating, dinner and a special presentation by Apollo luminaries, as well as an evening tour of the Mission Control Center. 9am-midnight, VIP package $250, Space Center Houston, spacecenter.org

7/25
Shawn Mendes
This Canadian singer-songwriter hits the road for his self-titled third album with special guest Alessia Cara by his side. His romance-ridden pop lyrics are sure to pack the arena just as his 2017 tour did. 7:30pm, tickets $825, Toyota Center, toyotacenter.com

7/27
Paul Mpagi Sepuya and Dean Daderko
Conceived as a snapshot of the complexion, interests and activities of a diverse group of artists, CAMH’s Stonewall 50 exhibit celebrates the creative energies of queer folk and their allies. Join featured photographer Paul Mpagi Sepuya as he discusses his work, process and ongoing deconstruction of traditional portraiture with CAMH’s curator, Dean Daderko, placing Sepuya’s photographs in the larger context of the exhibition. 2-3pm, free admission, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, camh.org

Grammy-nominated Shawn Mendes graces Houston with his presence July 25.

8/2
Carly Rae Jepsen
Following her Grammy-nominated hit “Call Me Maybe” singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen is back and ready to break the pop world. Her new album, Dedicated, will be her first full-length album in over four years. 7pm, see website for VIP packages, House of Blues, houseofblues.com

8/2
Mary J. Blige and Nas
Put legendary R&B queen Mary J. Blige and rap icon Nas in the same room and what you’ll get is a match made in heaven. Having produced hit after hit over their respective, expansive careers, these two will have a stacked setlist, you can be sure. 8pm, tickets $250, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion,The Woodlands, woodlandscenter.org

8/6-11
RENT
Rock musical RENT goes back to its roots to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Reimagining Puccini’s La Bohème, the award-winning show follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists who struggle to follow their dreams without selling out. See website for schedule, tickets $256, The Hobby Center, houston.broadway.com

8/17
Vampire Weekend
It’s been five years since Vampire Weekend last touched down in Space City and it couldn’t be better timing. Their newest album, Father of the Bride, rocketed to the top of the charts soon after its release in May, making it the No. 1 indie rock album this summer. 6:30pm, see website for tickets, White Oak Music Hall, whiteoakmusichall.com

8/31
Backstreet Boys
We can all breathe a sigh of relief that we don’t have to say goodbye to our favorite, and OG, boy band. Backstreet’s back and we “want it that way.” Catch the boys on the Houston stop of their DNA tour and revel in nostalgia. 8pm, tickets $400, Toyota Center, toyotacenter.com